Sneak look at the cover and solicitation for the new Champions series by Matt Fraction and our friend, Barry Kitson.
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THE CHAMPIONS #1 Written by MATT FRACTION Pencils and Cover by BARRY KITSON Variant Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
THE CHAMPIONS introduces the all-new and Los Angeles-based crown jewel in Tony Stark’s FIFTY-STATE INITIATIVE. A team of Stark-branded and created super heroes, these young actors, athletes and models are infused with tremendous powers and even more tremendous fame, reborn as the First Super Hero Team of Tomorrow™ -- THE CHAMPIONS. Here the same ol'-same ol' means hooking up at the Standard, drinks at SkyBar and a death-duel on Sunset Blvd. against some villain too stupid to realize that, in Hollywood, the good guys always win. The catch: you can be fired at any point along the way. And every inch of your life will be subjected to intense public scrutiny. And if you survive all that for a whole year, you'll face mandatory retirement. And there's no guarantee you'll live to see that retirement. If you had one year to save the world, what would you do? 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
edit-- Thread title updated to reflect new series title.
[ June 04, 2007, 01:37 PM: Message edited by: Pov ]
Posted by Reboot on :
So... wait. Why do these costumes/general design aesthetic bear no resemblance to the first time we saw this group in Civil War #6, which were far more colourful and varied?
[Even before you consider that that was meant to be the group debuting and I don't see any of them there...]
[ April 14, 2007, 09:01 PM: Message edited by: Reboot ]
Posted by Vee on :
Guess none of them got the call up to the big league franchise in LA.
Love the cover.
Posted by Pov on :
Sounds like "The Real World" meets "The Apprentice" meets Menudo.
I'm checking it out for Barry's artwork, but am not expecting much overall from that solicit. Give me THE CHAMPIONS, not a trademark holder. Maybe Angel can slap Stark with a cease and desist for stealing the incorporated name.
Posted by DrakeB3004 on :
I can't say I'm a big fan of the character designs. I'll give it a shot so maybe it'll grow on me.
The symbol also reminds me too much of Commerce Bank: (except when it's on the speedster's head, in which case it reminds me of the Dominators)
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
The characters from Civil War do appear in the first issue. There are a few changes in the coloring to come - I'll explain those when the issue hits the stands. I hope some of you will give the book a try - I do think you'll enjoy it. Matt's writing had really impressed me! Posted by Mystery Lad on :
I'm going to give it a try... but I think there should be at least *one* of the original Champions involved. And I'll repeat myself-- find a way to bring back DARKSTAR and I'll be a guaranteed reader.
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
I listened to Matt Fraction's interview the other day. I was pretty impressed by the premise and his enthusiasm.
A hero team that's set up like a sports team. Having loved super team comics for so long it makes sense.
Big Guy Team Leader Sneaky Guy etc. etc.
I'm going to give this a try for sure.
Posted by DrakeB3004 on :
Matt's doing a great job with "The Immortal Iron Fist" and of course Barry's bringing the art so I'll be down for the first few issues to see where it goes.
I can't imagine the pressure of trying to launch this given the near onslaught of new titles coming out in the wake of "Civil War". And without familiar characters, I imagine it'll be doubly hard.
Of course if there are any little previews/character designs you can throw us Barry, it might stoke the fires... (hint hint)
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
Pluses: Obviously, the art. And "Iron Fist" is one of Marvel's best books right now, so Fraction has cred with me.
Minuses: It spins out of "Civil War", which I didn't like at all.
I'll likely check it out.
Posted by DrakeB3004 on :
If people could choose one of the old lineup to be in this title, who would you choose?
I know she's in The Mighty Avengers, but I'd love to see Black Widow take the reins of this team. It'd elevate her status and of all the old guard, she's the one that'd make the most sense being on the post Civil War Champions.
Posted by Stealth on :
quote:Originally posted by DrakeB3004: If people could choose one of the old lineup to be in this title, who would you choose?
Darkstar, for sure.
Posted by Set on :
Absolutely Darkstar. I always liked Laynia.
Angel and Iceman made a neat 'buddy' team, but Hercules, Ghost Rider and Black Widow didn't work so well for me.
Posted by ActorLad on :
Sounds like something I'll want to give a try, especially it's set in my old stomping grounds. I just hope that this new team doesn't end up running the Runaways out of town. I think SoCal is big enough for the both of them.
Does the guy in the blue & white in the front row remind anyone one else of Gravity a little?
Posted by Reboot on :
quote:Originally posted by ActorLad: Sounds like something I'll want to give a try, especially it's set in my old stomping grounds. I just hope that this new team doesn't end up running the Runaways out of town. I think SoCal is big enough for the both of them.
Runaways already got "run out of town" by Iron Man.
Posted by ActorLad on :
Man, that really bites.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I'm excited about it. While I didn't care for Civil War I do like what it caused. I'm a fan of goverment or police type supeteams with matching uniforms.
They only have one year? Now that changes things?
I'm the guy who loves all the superhero laws, charters, organizations, costumes, etc. Hence I love the Initiative idea and this.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Is that Thor Girl with the hammer? And a new look?
Posted by Reboot on :
- The REAL Champions - The ChamP'ynz - The Super-hero Team Formerly Known as The Champions - Champs
Posted by Reboot on :
1 & 3 probably wouldn't work (too similar).
2 & 4... Posted by Tamper Lad on :
How about 'Big Tony Warbucks' Goon Guard'?
Posted by Stealth on :
quote:Originally posted by Tamper Lad: How about 'Big Tony Warbucks' Goon Guard'?
That's a good one, Tamper Lad. Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
West Coast Champions?
Posted by Reboot on :
WHAT new Champions series, exactly? Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Whatever they are going to be called I'm excited about it. Just saw the latest solicit!
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I'm glad you're willing to give it a try guys! I think those of you who love 'classic' Marvel characters will find a lot to please you in this series Wait till you see the cover to #2 - featuring just a few of the returning characters we'll be featuring! Posted by Pov on :
Any word on what you guys are calling this book, Barry? The Marvel solicits have it listed as "Title to be Determined" (Although the cover image is labeled "Champions" still) .
Posted by Pov on :
quote:Per NEWSARAMA: SERIES TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED Written by MATT FRACTION Pencils and Cover by BARRY KITSON A team of long-dormant Soviet super-weapons is awake, angry and heading straight at the heart of Los Angeles ready to finish World War III! The front line of defense is a team that’s been together since just before nine this morning! The queen of PR starts her spin! A dead body hides more than just a murder mystery! AND AND AND -- a super-sex tape! What on earth could justify the use of that many exclamation points? Surely, it could only be the second sensational issue of the yet to be named new ongoing series written by Matt Fraction (IMMORTAL IRON FIST and PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL) and with art by the amazing Barry Kitson (Legion of Super-Heroes, JLA: Year One). 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99
BUUuut...
Click Here For A Spoiler
is labeled CHAMPIONS #2... Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I'm pretty excited about those foreign characters. Wonder how and why they teamed up.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Guys Sorry about the multiple blank posts - something odd was happening there!
[edit-- Don't worry, Barry, I took care of them-- Brian]
I think you can expect an announcement from Marvel on the official title of the book within the next week!
Hope you liked the second cover - and it doesn't even show all the old characters that resurface!
[ May 25, 2007, 05:02 PM: Message edited by: Pov ]
Posted by Vee on :
Looking forward to it Barry! Will you be able to share your pencil scans with us or will that be a problem? I, for one, would love to see them as we did your Legion work.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I'll be happy to, Vee! Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Hey Barry, is there a certain darkstar among those characters? I know she's dead but maybe with Superboy Prime punching the wall?
(Is Vanguard dead also?)
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
That's another of those wait and see questions - you know me by now I try never to give any spoilers before publication Posted by Reboot on :
Wasn't Ursa Major M-Day depowered?
Posted by Set on :
quote: Wasn't Ursa Major M-Day depowered?
Pshaw, you know the answer to that one. "He was depowered, but we want to use him, so his powers came back, like Xaviers and Magnetos and..."
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Unless it's not Ursa Major or time travel is involved.
Posted by Pov on :
Marvel caved without a fight.
New name for the series is The Order. Gosh, I hope the Defenders don't contest -this- one...
What you may not remember is that "The Order" was used as the title for those Defenders issues after they were originally announced (and issue 1 solicited) as "Overlords"
Why was it not called Overlords: Defenders against the Earth as planned? Someone else owned Overlords.
Clearly, it's Marvel's standard standby title Posted by Barry Kitson on :
It's nice to have a name again anyway! Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
The Order? I like it.
Posted by Pov on :
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: It's nice to have a name again anyway!
What are you doing with the "C" logo on the team's costumes now, Barry?
I'm now officially psyched to check this out; my hangup was recycling the Champions name with no evident ties to its history. Now that that's no longer an issue, I can just sit back and settle in for the ride. Posted by Barry Kitson on :
The C's are turning magically into O's
Seems to have worked out for the best!
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
quote:Originally posted by Pov:
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: It's nice to have a name again anyway!
What are you doing with the "C" logo on the team's costumes now, Barry?
I'm now officially psyched to check this out; my hangup was recycling the Champions name with no evident ties to its history. Now that that's no longer an issue, I can just sit back and settle in for the ride.
How about the history of The Order!!! Since they are making Tony Stark to be a fascist it kinda fits.
Posted by Reboot on :
quote:Fraction @ Newsarama on series announcement While Tony Stark will remain in an oversight capacity of the team he founded under the moniker of 'ZEUS', his new duties post-Civil War have made it so he needs someone in place with the Champions to be more directly involved. The man in the 'HERA' position is an old friend of Tony's, an actor that used to play Iron Man on a television series. "He and Stark were kind of like the Cary Grant and Randolph Scott of the Marvel U, you know? Party pals. And now that the party's over for each of them, Tony's reached out to his old friend to be a Champion," Fraction said.
quote:Champions-->Order press release: "The Order is a modern super-hero book, in terms of how it's been created and how it's managed, and, behind the scenes, in terms of how Barry and I are telling their stories," Fraction said. "[...] Tony Stark sits on top, playing the role of Zeus. His girl Friday and the on-site leader of The Order is Pepper Potts, playing the symbolic role of Hera.
???
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I wonder if they should be called the Pantheon.
Pepper Potts? I can see it. Thankfully she isn't used as the "I married Happy but I love Tony". I was upset Harry was dead but maybe not Tony won't find as attractive that she is single again.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Poor Barry! Going to Walmart in North Carolina! It wasn't like NYC was it Barry? Matt tried to initiate you. LOL
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
True - but it was CHEAP!!! Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
NYC isn't cheap.
Can't wait for this series.
Barry I don't get why they have a year to save the world? Is it a contract? Do they have a year to prove themselves.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Basically their powers will burn them out if they use them for more than a year - so after that length of time each team member will be retired and replaced...if they last that long Of course there might be exceptions....
Posted by Crujectra of Psyonia on :
So they're like the superhero version of Menudo Posted by Pov on :
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: Basically their powers will burn them out if they use them for more than a year - so after that length of time each team member will be retired and replaced...if they last that long Of course there might be exceptions....
Shades of Strikeforce:Morituri! Are the burnouts fatal? Posted by Barry Kitson on :
They shouldn't be - the idea is to 'decommission' the powers before they get to that stage.
Posted by Pov on :
Okay, cool. Your "...if they last that long " gave me Morituri flashbacks, where the heroes' bodies violently (and unavoidably!) rejected the alien grafts that gave them their powers. Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I wonder how they got their powers? Hank Pym working his magic?
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Tony Stark (Iron Man) and his corporation are the source for the groups funding and powers.
Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
Barry at Walmart! I love the idea of there being meat in one aisle, pants in the next, and Barry in between trying to decide which way to go! Did you try MoonPies? They sound a lot better than they actually taste...
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I managed to resist - they looked a little too sweet for my taste I was impressed by the price of jeans etc though!
I also resisted buying the pink polo shirt that everyone was telling me was 'all the rage'! Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Stark is funding them, huh? So it seems their powers might be cybernetic?
You could also have bought a shotgun or 10 at Walmart? You know...for fun!
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
NEWSARAMA gives us a look into Barry's sketchbook, with comments by Fraction. And I see by Matt's comments on Vida's "boob window" that was a consideration even with the original "C" logo. More natural now. Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
You know what is wierd. Weren't the New Warriors criticized for being on a reality show? These guys are actors and models? Trained by Stark!
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
"mandatory retirement after one year"
Well is that Marvel time? Real time? Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Oh, and those COLORS?! Why couldn't we have that in the Legion????
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Glad you liked the character sketches!
Explaining about who has the hammer would give away some of the story - so that'll have to remain a mystery for now.
Marvel time or real time? Good question!
Dean is doing great work with the colors isn't he! Posted by Lightning Lad on :
The general rule (although specific periods may vary), is 4 real-time years = 1 Marvel-time year; and there's a constant soft-retcon to make older stories fit this where they don't already/
Posted by Stealth on :
That preview is totally awesome!
Nice work, Barry.
Posted by ActorLad on :
Can't wait to read it, it looks great so far!
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Thanks guys - I'm glad you like the look of it!
As far as the time goes - I wouldn't count on Matt sticking to any rules! Posted by Lad Boy on :
Barry's artwork in the TT/Legion crossover has earned DC Comics about $3,000 from me. Because of it, I ended my 15 year comics hiatus and got hooked on the whole DCU, Infinite Crisis, 52, etc., etc., etc.
Looks like I'll be mortgaging the house now to pay for an upcoming Marvel obsession.
Note to Barry: Next time insist on Target instead of Wal-Mart.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I've never been to a Target store - that's definitely on my 'must-do' list for my next trip now! Posted by Lad Boy on :
There are three Targets in/near Baltimore. See you there in September.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I'm already looking forward to it! Posted by Caliente on :
Hmm... well, I liked it. The action was fun, the stuff with the leader guy (whose name I've already blanked on-- I'm so bad with names) was pretty sweet as and if it's wrong to love Hera, I don't wanna be right.
I'm actually really interested in a lot of things happening here. Like Click Here For A Spoilerwhy are Tony and Pepper so involved with this team? Tony seems to be stretching a bit thin these days.
The characters seem interesting enough, though I'm a bit disappointed with how cookie cutter the team is so far. Well, actually, it's more the girls. It's just... always with the nice girl, the bitchy girl and the punk girl? I'm hoping it'll go beyond the cliqué. I think I may already have a crush on the speed guy, though. How predictable, I know.
On another note-- the spark of romance seen made me laugh because, like, a second before I'd been thinking something along those same lines. I'm not really sure what to think about that.
But, anyway. The point is-- I liked it. A solid start and I, for one, am curious to see where it goes from here. Good show!
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
All right!
When I started reading this Henry Hellrung immediately reminded me of Maxwell Lord. That is until I saw him in tights. And to tell the truth this character is pretty unique.
Not sure I dig the pantheon formula but I guess with a large cast it's a way to organize things (for the readers).
Nice to see Stark, Hellrung, and Pepper uphold the contracts. What about Pepper and Hellrung?! Nice to see she isn't with Stark but "comicbook time" wise Happy's been dead like 2 minutes?! Oh, wait they live in the same building?! Oh, I thought she was in his place. My bad.
Pepper is Oracle now?! Don't mind it but I have to say I'm suprised.
Ok the members! Ms. Black is in tune with California?! What in sam hill? I thought their powers were Stark-related. Love Supernaut and Calamity. Hellrung/Anthem steals the show.
I think Pierce, Maul, Corona, and Avona will be back. They are too cool to let slip away.
Barry you outdid yourself on the art! Legion fans thought we saw your best work ever but you just raised it a notch. Ofcourse, I think you were born to draw hi-tech/sci-fi super-heroes which this team is. Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Thanks Ultra Jorge and Caliente!
Glad you both enjoyed the book - there was an awful lot to take in for one issue so I'm not surprised you might find it hard to remember who everyone is at this stage.
There's a lot more to each of the characters than we could show in one issue - so just as this one featured Henry - each of the next few will focus more on one of the other characters until we've got to know them all a little better.
There's definitely some crazy stuff to come! Posted by Hunt Drouin on :
I liked the book as well. It'actually the only Marvel title I'm picking up.
Barry, I'm sure you can't spoil it, but I'm wondering what happens after that year of service.
Right now, the book is reminding me of another old Marvel title "Strikeforce Morituri" where the heroes got powers for up to a year and it burned their bodies out. Anything similar here?
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Glad you liked it - we've been really pleased with the response so far!
There are some similarities with Strikeforce Morituri, but the plan is our characters should survive their year. You will see what happens to some of the 'decommissioned' characters starting with issue #2.
Posted by Vee on :
Hey Barry!
Nice first issue. Interesting to see some of the pantheon already gone. That really establishes the rules!
Your artwork, as always was spectacular. It's just about the only thing that could get me to buy a Marvel comic these days but I need my Kitson fix!
Congrats!
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
I enjoyed this too.
I've really liked Matt's work since I first read the Fists of Science. Any guy who can write a comic with Nicola Tesla is pretty cool. And Barry's work is as good as its ever been here.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Thanks Guys! Glad you liked it! Posted by Pov on :
Supernaut! Who's the Black Sabbath fan?
Finally got my copy of #1 today-- "off the hook", as these kids today would say. (I'm pretty sure it's a good thing. )
I thought from the preview page of the battle with Infernal Man that most of the team had died in that blast... I wasn't expecting they'd survive but get their dumb@$$es canned for "conduct unbecoming" while off-duty!
Back to Supernaut... It's going to be tough for these guys, going back to being normal after their year is up. But it's gonna be tougher still for Milo. Posted by Mystery Lad on :
Too bad Darkstar isn't around to be on that last page.
I think it needed her.
I liked Hellrung and am intrigued by him. The powers-for-a-year bit is pretty interesting-- but the reasoning for the Pantheon naming scheme escapes me. Is it just to set up a confrontation with Hercules, Ares, etc.?
Don't get me wrong-- it'd work fairly well in a comics setting in which there weren't characters actively walking the earth, using those names. But in the MU? Not so much.
I really wish Marvel'd been able to clear the CHAMPIONS name-- but nothing to be done about it, I suppose. THE ORDER as a title has religious connotations that the god-names only reinforce, though there seems little spiritual aspect to the organization. Mixed message, or will something in the storytelling use this?
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi POV - Matt is a HUGE Black Sabbath fan and he figgered as Supernaut is heavy metal...
Good point about how difficult returning to 'normal' life will be for them - we start to explore that quite soon.
Hi Mystery Lad - Look out for some 'familiar' Marvel faces to turn up as the series unfolds!
Good to hear from you both!
Posted by Pov on :
quote:Originally posted by Mystery Lad: the reasoning for the Pantheon naming scheme escapes me. Is it just to set up a confrontation with Hercules, Ares, etc.?
There was a panel in #1 where Ares, I think, is watching television... someone makes a comment about the Gods getting upset about the name scheme, and he says he's getting royalties from it... Don't know if that applies to Herc, with his standing with Hulk in WWH...
And thanks for the Sabbath confirmation, Barry! "Supernaut" is one of the better songs off a great album in general, Sabbath's Vol. 4. I geeked out when I saw it used as a character name! Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Re: returning to "normal life". Some of these guys may turn into villains.
Tony Stark: Creating the heroes(&villains) of tomorrow!
Posted by Lad Boy on :
Why couldn't we have Legion guys in chains, Barry?!?
Posted by Pov on :
39 41 68.35 ORDER #1 CWI $2.99 MAR
The Order #1 cracked the Top 40 books in sales for the month!
Congrats, Barry! Matt too! Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Thanks Pov!
(I'm still trying to come up with a good answer to Lad Boy's question )
Posted by Pov on :
When in doubt, blame Mark.
He didn't write anything along those lines for you to work with... Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
So #2 is out and I just read it!
I like the focus on a character each issue so far. This time it was Becky Ryan aka Aralune. She's basically a teen pop star very much like a Britney Spears.
The Russians? I'm a bit confused. You'd think the Russians or a number of governments, villains, heroes would know of that island. Ursa Major I thought was a good guy? Gargoyle I expect this from. The big guy robot with a guy inside? Is he a new character? I hope not. Sounds too silly to be new. Crimson Dynamo in his old school look? Eh. With Barry being so good drawing tech stuff I was hoping for a new updated suit. But it's all cold war outdated stuff so I understand.
I guess the Order are the stars. And they do shine brightly again.
Is Heavy going to make it? Supernaut and Calamity rock! Too bad about Avona.
Love the celebrity angle. Oh, and if you want to beat the Order just get them drunk! Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Barry, quick question. I love the layout of the issue(panels, etc). Does Matt script that or do you get to lay things out how you like?
It's certainly different than your Legion work.
Thanks.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Ultra Jorge Glad you liked the issue!
The layouts are mine - with suggestions from Matt too! The differences you see from the LSH pages are mainly due to Matt's different approach to storytelling to Mark's - I always try to come up with layouts that tell the story best. I think you would see differences in my approach with every different writer I work with.
The Soviet villains were all 'proto-types' of the characters that appeared in Marvel comics in the 60's - the 'Beta-versions' if you like.
I hope you continue to like each new character as we learn more about them!
Posted by Lad Boy on :
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: Thanks Pov! :)
(I'm still trying to come up with a good answer to Lad Boy's question :D )
Blame it on Mark.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Done! Posted by Fat Cramer on :
Late to the party here, but these two issues were much more enjoyable than expected. I picked it up for Barry's art, which was excellent, very dense (in terms of lots to look at) and such a pleasure! The story hooked me too, which was a surprise, since I generally don't like the Marvel books, stories set in L.A. or TV celebrity stories. However, there was a lot of character focus and human drama, the problems of commercialism, the alcoholism - all for a great, on-going story.
And I got a good laugh out of bulimic young Becky eating that bomb.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Well I finally read #3. Barry the art looks amazing! You were born to draw technology it seems. Infact I really want to see Iron Man (not tony) guest star to see you draw him!
Zobos sound pretty funny yet a good name for a nemesis. Like the fact the Fraction works California stuff in there. Maybe Marvel should fly you and Matt out to California for a month to "research". Do the LA area and San Francisco. You need to get a "feel" for it!
Love the hi-tech aspect of things so far. With Marvel getting rid of mutants I thought they were going to dwindle the superhuman community totally. But here we got about a dozen people with powers. Are they all tech related? I hope so. Wouldn't mind some more hi-tech explanations behind the powers. With nano-technology in a comic book universe anything is possible.
This series rocks. Wouldn't mind them running into some WCA foes like the Nightshift, etc.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I just learned who Matt Fraction was recently. I really like his Order and I LOVE his Iron Fist.
Posted by Wild Jorge on :
Legion Worlder's Unite! Buy this book now! It has our fan fave Barry Kitson and a writer who is quickly making a big name for himself. Matt Fraction is writing two of the best Marvel titles right now!
This issue focuses on Veda. Maybe the most apparent example that Fraction is truly modeling this on a mythic pantheon. Well I think that started way back when in Civil War.
Veda is the "Gaea" of the team, Mother Earth. She can make rock men (golem like) out of the earth. She calls them her children. More importantly she's not a cliche. Her story reminds me of a alternative Wonder Woman. Very well done.
More Zobos. We learn someone is targeting the Order. Who? They give a number of major Marvel villains as suspects.
Muholland uses her psychic powers to talk to Avona's ghost. Interesting. Hellrung and Stark have a good chat. There IS a sex tape but so far it's not being handled like a cliche. Calamity suprises us with his...quest? Heavy turns out to be not just muscle (he only got a few lines but they are good ones).
Fraction has the ability to make all these guys sound unique and different. You think the character arc is going one way and then you are pleasently suprised. Kind like Johns does on JSA (imo).
Barry's art as usual is amazing. LOTS of details here kids. Lots of tech as well. The tech stuff reminds me a bit of Bob Layton for all of you Iron Man fans. (would LOVE to see Layton ink Kitson on this)
It's a Marvel book but it's not. So it should make Marvel & DC fans happy. Posted by Wild Jorge on :
Oh and then there is the M.A.N. from S.H.A.D.O.W. which is rounding up some of the fired ex-members?
I have to reread some of the back issues see what M.A.N. is up to. I don't remember much about him. Maybe that's his "thing".
Barry if you still around any thoughts/hints on M.A.N. or the series in general? Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Wild Jorge Yep - I'm still around!
Glad you are enjoying the book too!
Without giving too much away I can tell you that Matt has a master plan and the series will tie-in very soon with bigger events in the Marvel Universe
Thanks again for following my work!
Posted by Set on :
quote:Originally posted by Wild Jorge: Hellrung and Stark have a good chat.
It would be quite interesting if Stark's little pre-fab heroes ended up with a stronger moral sense than he himself has displayed in the last year or so, and it led to conflict and drama.
How does the preachy moralistic parent react when his 'children' turn out to be better people than he has become and remind him what 'hero' actually means?
Or has Stark's psych-profiling carefully chosen 'damaged goods' (such as ex-alcoholic party-boy Hellrung, or the overly public partiers that he had to 'fire' in the first issues) to avoid this very thing, as Stark has learned from Captain America that he can't 'count on' people that he can't bribe, blackmail, intimidate or otherwise ruin and destroy, financially and / or socially?
It's fairly unlikely that his initial profiling let those first ones he had to fire 'slip through,' out of the thousands of potential applicants, which suggests that Stark is deliberately selecting for people who are flawed and whom he may be able to control through their exploitable flaws.
Or his 'profiling' sucks and is biased towards drunken frat-boys with a tendency to get into trouble. Also a possibility, since he might not recognize that as 'flawed,' given his own history with the sauce.
Posted by Wild Jorge on :
Set, it depends what book you read with Tony. He's a fascist in one book and a hero in another. I don't mind his tough love hero approach but Marvel has been inconsistent with it. Hellrung appears to be a better adjusted Tony.
As for the profiling? Yeah I question that. Shouldn't these people be trained SHIELD agents? Why they pick celebrities or wanna be celebrities? Part of Stark's PR? Anyone who is trained properly can be a superhero?
As for Barry's comments; I didn't even think of the Skrull stuff affecting The Order! We have tons of characters running around atleast ONE of them has to be a Skrull.
(speaking of Skrull's...anoyone remember Effigy? The Skrull Lost Gen hero? It would be cool if he was an imposter but on the side of the angels...double agent skrull)
Posted by Set on :
quote:Originally posted by Wild Jorge: [QB] Set, it depends what book you read with Tony. He's a fascist in one book and a hero in another. I don't mind his tough love hero approach but Marvel has been inconsistent with it.
True. Ever since he mind-jobbed Green Goblin into killing an Atlantean diplomat to start a war with Atlantis so that he could rack in some war profiteering on the side, he's been firmly un-savable for me. The whole cloning-Thor thing even managed to retcon and make him into a villain over a decade ago, willing to violate his own team-mates.
But I do see some writers at Marvel futiley attempting to save the character by having him act like a hero, only to have Bendis and crew yank him firmly back into fascist dictator mode.
It's gonna take a writer far better than anyone they have on staff to turn Iron Man back into a hero, and it increasingly looks like they'll have to do it over Quesada and Bendis' dead bodies.
quote: As for the profiling? Yeah I question that. Shouldn't these people be trained SHIELD agents? Why they pick celebrities or wanna be celebrities? Part of Stark's PR? Anyone who is trained properly can be a superhero?
As for Barry's comments; I didn't even think of the Skrull stuff affecting The Order! We have tons of characters running around atleast ONE of them has to be a Skrull.
Good point, and it would explain the profiling thing if the people in charge of the profiling were Skrulls, making sure that America's next generation of heroes where useless or co-opted right from the start!
Pepper Pots is on my short list. A supporting character abandoned *twenty years ago* suddenly back in the picture and an important part of Tony's life? Yeah, that's not suspicious at all.
quote: (speaking of Skrull's...anoyone remember Effigy? The Skrull Lost Gen hero? It would be cool if he was an imposter but on the side of the angels...double agent skrull)
I give absolutely zero chance of that being remembered or used. Continuity is Kryptonite at Marvel these days.
The absolute best thing that I could be saying about this series a year from now is that the execution was comparable to Strikeforce: Morituri, a team of heroes fated to only serve for a short time, and desperate to make their mark in the time they had.
Right now I'm buying it out of loyalty to Barry.
Posted by Wild Jorge on :
Set, good point about the Tony/Green Goblin Atlantis thing. I have a feeling it will be revealed Tony is not responsible for this and someone framed him. Yeah there are more obvious ways to frame him but that is why it will be such a good frame job. It's so sublte. But that's an Iron Man post so I will stop there.
PEPPER POTTS! I agree. Busiek actually brought her and Happy back from a nice comic book limbo life in the burbs. Why?! Happy is dead and she became Oracle/Hera. She has to be a Skrull. I like what Fraction did with her. Paired her with Hellrung instead of still being a Stark love interest. She is a perfect candidate to be a skrull.
Regarding continuity, Marvel & Effigy. The original continuity is shaky at best. It's Byrne's Lost Generation maxi-series. I don't think that's in continuity anyways. I was just being hopeful. He was one of the few characters I liked from the series.
In Avengers Initiative it looks like they will be rotating the main cast and I like it. I don't mind it if the Order does the same. Ofcourse I love most of the team.
Posted by Set on :
quote:Originally posted by Wild Jorge: PEPPER POTTS! I agree. Busiek actually brought her and Happy back from a nice comic book limbo life in the burbs.
My sekrit reason for wanting Pepper Pots to be a Skrull (and then go away) is because I miss Tony's old assistant, Mrs. Arbogast. She was snarky, like a female Alfred.
Posted by Wild Jorge on :
lol, Set I loved Mrs. Arbogast and was going to reference her in my own post. But if I wrote Iron Man I wouldn't bring Mrs. Arbogast back for the sake of progress. I WOULD have her just as snarky hot niece Ms. Arbogast work as receptionist for Tony. See? Progress. Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I love the speculation guys!
Big events start occuring in #6 that will help you with your deductions... So big that we even had to keep the cover to #7 a secret...
I like Pepper - her developing interaction with Kate and Henry is a fun aspect of the book.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
So I'm starting to become a real fan of this book. It took me three pages to realize Barry didn't draw it. I was so excited about the story I didn't pay attention to the art. My bad!
I really like the Black Dahlia's. Matt is bringing some California folklore into the mix. Personally I love all that old pulp Cali stuff.
Can't wait for next issue.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Jorge Glad you're still enjoying it! And that it took you a few pages to realise Kharu helped out - that was really the idea with my doing the breakdowns for him to keep the story telling style the same. You can see some of the thumbnails at
quote:Originally posted by Ultra Jorge: I really like the Black Dahlia's.
Same here. The "Tim Burton golf club" line is a classic.
It would really bug me if any one of these characters turns out to be a Skrull, since I think these characters work so well together.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Barry, you did the breakdowns? That does explain it I guess.
While I don't know which hero is a Skrull I do know who used to be a Black Dahlia. Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Guys Glad you like the characters Outdoor Minor!
You know about as much as I do then Ultra Jorge! Posted by Faraway Lad on :
Well I have to admit that I am really enjoying this story arc as well. I have held back commenting because I wanted to see how it all panned out.
I will say that Barry made me break two of my own personal “cardinal rules” over comics and collecting. Firstly, I became such a fan of his work after the legion I actually followed a creator rather than a character. Secondly he’s made me buy Marvel comics for the first time since the 60’s.
I didn’t want to buy a marvel comic as I am such a completist I would find myself spending a fortune in back issues. Yet picking up The Order has been a wonderful self contained introduction to the Marvel Universe and an easy to follow storyline, good character development and plenty of action has made this a fun read.
Barry’s art is as always a real treat to look at and draws me into this series with a beguiling ease.
Curse you Mr Kitson Posted by Lad Boy on :
ditto...except replace "since the 60's" with "ever in my life."
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
You guys just made my day! Thanks! Posted by CJ Taylor on :
I just picked up issues 4 & 5. I've been dreading Marvel post CW. The premise of a reality-show super team did put me off a bit.
I like the characters. Anthem and his square jaw and beautiful Veda are tops. Pepper as Oracle tho' doesn't really fit well with me. The actually super heroics are fun, but the behind the scenes life are a little too real for me.
I'll stick around to see the Black Dahlias, they look promising.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
You know I describe to people that this reads like a DC book in the MU. Fraction never wrote for DC right?
Anyways, I am glad the DC fans can enjoy a Marvel but I look foward to some more Marvel to seep into this series. Not too much mind you but just a bit. Maybe some of the WCA villains?
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi CJ - nice to have you with us!
Hi Ultra Jorge - look for some iconic Marvel characters interacting with the Order in the very near future Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
The Order #9
Written by MATT FRACTION Pencils & Cover by BARRY KITSON California’s premier super-team! Superstars! Heroes! Moving targets? The sinister M.A.N. from S.H.A.D.O.W. clearly has devious plans for the super heroes of the Sunshine State…or he just wants them dead. Now, after squaring off against Soviet super-soldiers, zobos, the Black Dahlias girl gang, giant monsters, eviction from their headquarters, and their own performance issues, the worst is about to begin! By Matt Fraction (THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST) and Barry Kitson (Legion of Super-Heroes).
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Barry, I forgive you since you live in the UK. But FLORIDA is the Sunshine State. California is the Golden State.
Oh wait. You draw the book you don't write the solicits! Those damn Marvel office guys don't know squat outside the Northeast do they?!
(i live in the sunshine state)
Posted by Lad Boy on :
I believe the flag of South Carolina declares it to be the Sunshine State.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
They are imposters! The whole state may be Skrulls.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I read the first half. Big fan of Supernaut! His origin and personality are very cool. The way he started shooting when his armor went dead? Awesome! He's my new fave!
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
#10? That's in "serious, SERIOUS flop" territory.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I am not happy. It wasn't an issue of quality that's for sure. Maybe a known Marvel hero in the book would've helped it. Oh well.
Barry what's next?!
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Thanks Ultra Jorge.
Marvel are scheduling an announcement about my new 'home' next week - I'm very happy about it Posted by Faraway Lad on :
Now thats not fair. First time I read a Marvel book in years and they pull the plug?
<grumble mumble***ing excutives mumble>
So care to tease us about the "new home" Barry or can we run wild with speculation.
Posted by Pov on :
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: Marvel are scheduling an announcement about my new 'home' next week - I'm very happy about it
As long as you're happy, I'm happy. Still gonna miss THE ORDER...
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Thanks!
I think all of us who've worked on the book will miss it.
Posted by Nightcrawler on :
Wha?!? I've been reading and enjoying this book. (Maybe I should have posted about it more.)
This sucks!
I'm looking forward to your next project though Barry (I'm still rooting for an Imperial Guard project! Maybe a little Nightcrawler mixed in there somewhere?!? )
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
So I've been looking at the comic news site this week and nothing yet. Still looking for BK news.
Anybody read the latest issue?! I haven't yet.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Ultra Jorge Sorry the announcement is postponed until next week - because I had an extra bit of work to do in readiness for it....
Sorry to leave you on tenderhooks Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
No prob Barry! If it's coming with promo art it's even better!
Posted by Reboot on :
quote:Originally posted by Nightcrawler: Wha?!? I've been reading and enjoying this book. (Maybe I should have posted about it more.)
Cancelled with issue #10, for fairly obvious reasons. Although it’s starting to level out, it’s simply too little, too late.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
So I read the Order #7 and it was great!
Hellrung really shined here. The comic was basically a conversation between Namor and Hellrung. And that conversation was the main conflict!
I really hope they retool the Order a bit more in the future. Explain how Tony and Pym gave these guys powers and all of that. I can see them as a hi-tech type team.
Anyways, Barry's art looked amazing. I like that inker(Jon Sibal). The flashback panels are EXACTLY what I imagined when I first heard Kitson at Marvel. I thought maybe the FF? But deep down I really wanted him to do a new Invaders book! (imagine Fraction & Kitson on Invaders!) Here I got FF & Invaders! Beautiful! Great job Barry.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Just flipped through it again.
Barry some of those flashback are very dynamic! The style looks almost slightly different. Is that you experimenting or possibly the inker? Obviously you went all out!
The golems remind me how great his Blok looks. (remember the cover)
And Heavy & Supernaut's armors remind me how amazing a Barry Iron Man book would be. That's another one I suspected he'd be on. Tell me Layton inking Kitson isn't perfect for Iron Man? Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Ultra Jorge The secret to the different look of the flashback pages is that they were inked by me I also inked the two page spread of the Order clearing up. I also inked the last five pages of #8. Glad you liked the book!
Hope you'll like my Spider-man work as much! (You can see my first cover along with the interviews about the new job I did for Wizard, Newsarama, CBR and at Marvel.com.) I'm really excited about it as you can probably tell!
[ February 07, 2008, 11:55 PM: Message edited by: Barry Kitson ]
Posted by Lad Boy on :
Even though you're not doing full pencils for the last issue of the Order, I challenge you to at least lay out a final panel that's as touching as your last LSH panel*. <<throws gauntlet at Mr. Kitson's feet>>
*By "last LSH panel" I mean last up to this point, because as I'm typing, there's the Mike Grell-drawn variant covered Action 861 in my desk drawer. So I'm looking forward to your Legion work in the Empire/Legion crossover in 2017.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
That would be tough especially with all the history behind the LSH that I was thinking about with that panel. I'll try...
Posted by Lad Boy on :
Looks like I'll be buying my first Spiderman comic since ... umm ... let me think ...
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
That's a pretty big compliment - thanks!
Actually now isn't a bad time to start reading Spider-man again as everything is 'Brand New' Posted by Lad Boy on :
Oh for crying out loud, stop this relentless hard-core sales pitch! I can't take the pressure.
Next you'll be offering a complimentary pack of Marlboros and one of those little airplane-sized bottles of bourbon.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
No way that'll happen...ever! Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
I'm skipping the "Brand New" stuff and waiting for it to be old again. Sorry Barry! But I'm sure lots of people will read it and your preview work looked great! Congrats!
Posted by CJ Taylor on :
So where do I go to get more Veda?
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Yeah I am wondering what will happen to the characters. I hope we see them in other places either as superheroes or SHIELD agents, etc.
I'm really interested in the HOW they got their powers. With the ban on new mutants this seems a bit too easy. That is why I'm wondering about the 1 year limit thing.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Good issue! We get Mulholland Black's origin.
We get the origin of the M.A.N. from S.H.A.D.O.W. and I did not see that coming! Nor who is behind it all? Ezekial Stane . Great idea for a villain.
Supernaut and Aralune do something cool and wierd. I wonder if she's a Skrull.
We get some info on Muholland's powers. I still want to see how Stark/Pym are creating all these wierd powers. I just want it explained cause after M-Day we have all these "humans" with really far out abilities.
Posted by CJ Taylor on :
What is this M-Day you speak of?
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Is M-Day the day most mutants lost their powers? I can't keep up with all of that.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Just read the latest issue. This may be the issue I was waiting for. They confirm their powers are electronic (nanities). I wonder if former mutants like Muholland Black have them as well? The nanities activate her former mutants powers? Can Stark do that for any other former mutant? He certainly would get the mutant vote. I mean I don't think they could do all the mutants but seeing the nanites work for a handful of them would be cool. (Rictor)
It took a while to get Heavy's bio but I liked it. I hope we see more of him in the future. After this issues ending we might not.
It will be interesting to see how many of these characters move over to Fraction's Iron Man book. He already said The Order is a prequel to his IM book. Pepper Potts we know for sure is going over. I am assuming the current "villain" Stane Jr will be in the IM book as well.
Anthem (Hellrung) I can see because of Pepper. Tony/Pepper/Henry love triangle? Besides Pepper I hope we don't see any of the other women move over. Why? I like them but their powers while sci-fi appear mystical in nature. Don't think they would fit in IM book all that well.
I expect Aralune is a Skrull and a few others will die. Sad really but they mentioned from the beggining they may. Still would be nice to see them as Tony's strikeforce/sppt cast in Fraction's book.
The art was interesting. Breakdowns by Barry and Javier Saltares over him with and inks by two guys I've never heard of Guidano and Fridolfs. I enjoyed cause as a fan of Barry's I've been wondering what his work would look like inked by others. Nice experiment. I've always been a Javier Saltares fan since the old days of Ghost Rider...well not the old old days. Posted by CJ Taylor on :
I like the idea of Stark having a personal team, and it would be great if Fraction could bring the gang over there in some fashion. Maybe with enough attention there, we could see them relaunched.
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